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Given my extensive experience in college admissions consulting, I resolved to conduct a more thorough examination of Beyond the States and its services for students interested in studying abroad. This Beyond the States review investigates its pricing, offerings, and areas for refinement to help you determine whether it is the appropriate choice for your international college aspirations.
Pros & Cons of Beyond the States
Although their emphasis on English-taught programs in Europe is promising, there are numerous factors that students and their families should consider before investing.
| ✅ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
| Beyond the States offers an expansive database of English-taught programs across Europe and other regions. | While this firm specializes in European programs, it may not offer as much comprehensive support or information for students interested in other global regions. |
| The organization provides one-on-one consultations and personalized guidance, helping students find programs that align with their interests, goals, and financial situations. | Access to some of the most valuable resources, such as their extensive database and one-on-one consultations, may require membership or additional fees. |
| Beyond the States makes studying abroad accessible to a broader range of students, especially those who may find U.S. tuition fees expensive. | Many of their services, including workshops, webinars, and consultations, are delivered online. It might not be ideal for students or parents who prefer in-person support. |
In conclusion, Beyond the States offers a niche service that can benefit students who want to study in Europe. However, they could improve in several areas, particularly regarding team expertise, geographic coverage, and pricing transparency.
If you’re considering them, they might be worth it for a particular set of needs. Still, I recommend doing additional research and perhaps consulting with other college admission consultants before committing. It may not be the best fit for those who want a more comprehensive approach or access to a wider range of countries.
What Are the Main Admission Consulting Services of Beyond the States?
They primarily focus on helping U.S. students who consider English-taught programs abroad, especially in Europe. This sounds great, but I think their services might be a bit limited in scope.
For instance, while they offer information about several countries, their primary focus is on Europe, meaning that students who might want to consider programs in other regions like Asia or Latin America won’t find as much value here.
As I know from general practice, BeMo Consulting offers similar or better guidance without requiring such a high upfront investment for their best resources.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
Their packages come with access to a database of programs, one-on-one consultations, and resources like webinars and workshops.
✔️ Research and Information Access
Beyond the States maintains an extensive database of English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs across Europe and other regions. This resource provides information on tuition costs, program details, admissions requirements, and other aspects of international universities.
✔️ Personalized Guidance Services
Beyond the States offers personalized consulting services to help students identify programs that align with their academic interests. Their team provides support throughout the application process, from preparing the necessary documentation to meeting specific admission criteria.
✔️ Comprehensive Membership Packages
They offer different levels of membership that provide access to their database, exclusive webinars, guides on various aspects of studying abroad, and a community of like-minded students and families.
✔️ Workshops and Webinars
Beyond the States regularly hosts webinars and workshops that focus on various topics related to studying abroad, including understanding different education systems and budgeting for international education.
Who Is on the BeyondtheStates.com Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
Looking into their team, the founder and several key members have studied or lived abroad, which is a valuable experience. However, as someone familiar with the field, I noticed they don’t have as many professionals with deep, formal expertise in college admissions counseling.
In my opinion, having more certified counselors or advisors who specialize in international education systems could boost their credibility.
If I were a parent considering Beyond the States, I’d want to see more expertise on their team.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Beyond the basic packages, they offer extra services like boot camps and specialized workshops. While these might be helpful, I noticed they’re all conducted online.
Many people I’ve worked with find online support impersonal and sometimes ineffective. So, while they offer a range of services, the delivery method could be a drawback for some families.
Does BeyondtheStates.com Have Any FREE Services?
Beyond the States provides a few free resources like informational webinars and articles to their credit. But, in reality, these are basic and more like teaser content to get you interested in purchasing a membership.
In contrast, MBA Exchange offers free initial consultations or assessments, which could be more valuable for making such an important decision.
BeyondtheStates Pricing and Guarantees
Beyond the States offers several packages, but some may be expensive. The Basic Explorer package is $349, providing access to a database of over 11,600 English-taught programs. For more personalized services, they offer:
- Perfect placement – $1,687 (discounted from $2,299) with tailored program recommendations.
- Guaranteed admissions – $2,699 (down from $3,199) with a money-back guarantee.
- One-on-one consultation – $299 per session for direct expert advice.
And here’s the kicker: there are no guarantees. From what I’ve seen, this could be a dealbreaker in a field where families make significant investments.
Their Professionalism Based on Reviews Available Online
Looking through reviews on sites like Reddit, I saw a mix of feedback. Some users praised their ability to find programs they hadn’t considered before. In contrast, others were disappointed with the lack of depth in the consultations they paid for.
On Reddit, I saw several comments from students who said that after buying the membership, they felt the information in the database was outdated or could have been found through independent research.
Areas of Beyond the States That They Should Work On
While BeyondtheStates.com offers a niche service, there are several areas they should work on to meet the needs of students and families:
- Their focus is primarily on Europe, which excludes other popular study destinations like Canada, Australia, and Asia. This narrow approach limits options for students exploring diverse international opportunities.
- The top-tier packages are expensive, and although some come with a money-back guarantee, the details can be restrictive.
- Some users report that parts of their program database are outdated, which raises concerns about reliability.
- Virtual consultations might not work for those who prefer the assurance of in-person meetings.
- The team may lack formal qualifications in college admissions counseling, making establishing complete trust and credibility difficult.
Considering these things could make all BeyondtheStates services much more valuable and trustworthy.
❓ FAQs
What is the cost of Beyond the States services?
Beyond the States offers services ranging from $299 for consultations to $2,699 for their Guaranteed Admissions Package. Prices vary based on the level of guidance and support.
Is Beyond the States a reputable company?
Yes, Beyond the States has a presence in the industry with numerous customer reviews online, but opinions are mixed. It’s essential to research and read reviews before committing.
Can BeyondtheStates.com guarantee acceptance?
They offer a “Guaranteed Admissions” package, but it’s essential to read the terms carefully as the guarantee may have limitations and conditions.
Is Beyond the States worth it?
It depends on your needs. It may be valuable if you seek English-taught programs in Europe and are willing to invest. However, their high costs may not suit everyone.
Is Beyond the States a legitimate company?
Yes, Beyond the States is a legitimate company offering college admissions services, though some users have raised concerns about value and support quality.